Hillsboro released a message from City Manager Sarah Jo Chaplen this morning about her resignation.

In the release, Chaplen said, "There is a right time for every city manager to step down and, for a variety of reasons, this is the right time for me and for our community. In January, new council members will take their seats. It is important that the council be able to move forward in whatever direction they want. What is most important to me is that the City of Hillsboro continues to thrive because I care deeply about this community. Serving as city manager for the last three years has been an honor and a privilege."

Chaplen announced her resignation late Tuesday night in a special regular session after a council meeting and two executive sessions. Other than this release, she has not said why she is leaving the city. Chaplen's resignation comes after a meeting in which the fire department union accused Chaplen of pushing Fire Chief Gary Seidel into retirement.

Though residents have speculated that Chaplen's departure is related to Seidel's retirement, City Council President Aron Carleson said that is not true. "I want to make clear that this does not have to do with Gary."